Aileen Mertz, 97, of Bryant, passed away Sunday, Oct. 26, 2014, at Bluffton Regional Medical Center. Aileen was born Aug. 10, 1917, in Adams County to Estel and Orpha Marshall Johnson. She married Dale Leonard Mertz in Wells County Jan. 4, 1942; he preceded her in death March 20, 2001. She worked at Franklin Electric and Murphy's Dime Store in Bluffton, as well as sold Avon products. She attended Mt. Hope Church of the Nazarene in Berne and was a member of the Eastern Star, Home Administration Club, for 50 years. Survivors include a son, Lonnie M. (Rachael) Mertz of Bryant; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Marleen Helms in 2001; a sister, Lucille Moser; and a brother, Paul Johnson. A service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, at Goodwin-Cale & Harnish Memorial Chapel with Pastor Tom Hartman officiating . Calling hours are from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, and Thursday one hour prior to the service, all at the funeral home. Burial will be at the Six Mile Cemetery in Bluffton. Memorials may be made to Mt. Hope Church of the Nazarene in Berne . Online condolences at: www.thegmcfamily.com